“As the heat-related illness increases in intensity then they may start to experience things like confusion, disorientation, even hallucinations.” says Dr. Pollock. “This can lead to seizures and decreased consciousness.”

Dr. Pollock says there are many things people need to keep in mind in order to stay safe in the heat.

“I would recommend that if they’re doing outdoor activity they do that before 11 AM or after 4 PM.” explains Dr. Pollock. “With children it’s very, very important that they not be left in a parked car because the temperatures in those cars can rise very extremely and just in general wearing sunscreen, avoiding getting sunburnt and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.”

This past July was the third hottest the East Kootenay has seen in 116 years according to Environment Canada.